Gibson reintroduces its unconventional Les Paul acoustic-electric guitar after over two decades, presenting a unique spin on preceding models.
In the realm of guitars, the Gibson Les Paul Parlor strays from the conventional and breaks new ground. This bad boy might just be the perfect blend for fans on the fence about hybrid aesthetics, echoing the splitting opinions caused by Fender's Acoustasonic range.
Gibson, ever the cautious innovator, introduces this parlor-sized beauty in a format reminiscent of a scaled-down SJ-200. Sporting a solid mahogany back and sides and an AAA flame maple top, it offers a dash of bite and definition to the iconic Les Paul's warm tone.
Get ready to marvel at the bookmatched top with single-ply cream binding running amok across the body, ensuring the old-school chic remains intact. The neck, made of mahogany with an Advanced Response profile, boasts a captivating 12"-radius, 19-fret fingerboard crafted from rosewood. The neck and body are joined together through a compound dovetail neck-to-body joint, and classic pearloid trapezoid inlays create harmony with the cream binding and the LP vibe.
A rosewood bridge in a belly-down orientation, TUSQ nut and saddle, and Nickel-plated Grover Rotomatic tuners complete the package.
But what sets the Gibson Les Paul Parlor apart from its forebears is the addition of an L.R. Baggs VTC +4 under-saddle piezo pickup and an active preamp system. This clever contraption, featuring a 4dB boost over the standard version, enables the guitar to be amplified when the situation calls for it. However, we can't imagine this guitar headbanging to a Marshall stack any time soon.
Two finish options are available: Vintage Sunburst and Vintage Cherry Sunburst, with the latter available as left-handed models as well. The Gibson Les Paul Parlor grabs the spotlight at a price of $3,999, complete with a hardshell case.
Check out the Gibson website to get a closer look at this visionary piece of artistry.
2025 has seen Gibson shake up its acoustic lineup with a flurry of exciting releases, such as the new Acoustic Specials series, a downsized single-cut take on the SJ-200 (Parlor Rosewood EC), and a signature, twist-laden J-45 for Margo Price.
Whether you're seeking an instrument that elegantly balances the iconic Les Paul design with acoustic capabilities or a hybrid for those amplified performances, the Gibson Les Paul Parlor is worth a second look. Just remember that it may not satisfy traditional electric guitar enthusiasts, and its appeal lies in its unique combination of aesthetics, sound, and playability that sets it apart from the pack.
- The Gibson Les Paul Parlor, a unique hybrid, strays from traditional electric guitars, offering a blend of acoustic capabilities and the iconic Les Paul design.
- The Gibson Les Paul Parlor, priced at $3,999, boasts finish options of Vintage Sunburst, and for left-handed players, Vintage Cherry Sunburst.
- Featuring an L.R. Baggs VTC +4 under-saddle piezo pickup and an active preamp system, the Gibson Les Paul Parlor can be amplified, making it perfect for hybrid performances.
- The Gibson Les Paul Parlor, with its solid mahogany back and sides, AAA flame maple top, and rosewood fingerboard, promises a balanced tone with a dash of bite and definition.
- Amidst Gibson's recent acoustic releases, the Gibson Les Paul Parlor stands out for its innovative design, offering a visionary piece of artistry for those who appreciate the intersection of electricity, acoustics, and music.
